The 18th Century Saint John's Church, which has stood empty and derelict in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent for the past 20 years, is to re-open its doors for the first time since it was declared redundant in 1988.

However, two National Heritage open days in early September could be the last opportunity residents and former worshippers have to see inside the Grade II listed building unless an acceptable alternative use can be found.

The Rev Richard Grigson is secretary of the diocese's Redundant Churches Uses Committee (RCUC), which is seeking an alternative use for the building. He says twenty years of effort has gone into finding a suitable use.

He said: "There have been various attempts to secure a new use for the building over the years but none of these have come to fruition. The reasons include the unsuitability of the proposed uses and their impact on the listed building and annexed land, too large a gap between repair and refurbishment costs and the value of the completed development, and the lack of sustainable business plans to support offers.

"Nearly 20 years on from closure as a church, difficult decisions have to be faced over the future of this listed building."

Saint John's Church was built in 1788 and extended in 1885. For 200 years it was the parish church of Hanley; but it was damaged by a serious fire and declared redundant in 1988.

The building has remained unused for 20 years and now stands in a very poor state of repair in sharp contrast to the Potteries Shopping Centre next door. The Hanley Parish is now served by a team ministry with churches in Cobridge, Northwood, Wellington, Birches Head and Snow Hill.

The Ven John Hall, chair of the RCUC, says: "In its present state the building constitutes an eye-sore, but for many people it is an important building at which significant family events, such as baptisms and confirmations, weddings and funerals have taken place.

He added that the diocese is now "undertaking a fresh push to find an alternate use for the building and will shortly meet with representatives of a number of groups to find a way forward".

He concluded: "I hope that we can retain some form of place of worship on this important town centre site."

St John's Church will open as part of the National Heritage Open Days on 6 and 7 September.